Facing Decrees

Luke 2: And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,  who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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As I walked out of the interview, something told me to speak with the official looking person walking towards the parking lot. The company I had just interviewed with was just placed on a global hiring freeze and I felt a bit dejected.

The person in the parking lot confirmed the statement but said something amazing. “Call our company. I am a recruiter.” I called and weeks later began working for that company.

• Some human decrees seem devastating to me.
• Some human decrees seem like they add hurdles to my life.
• Some human decrees seem like snap judgments leaning towards greed.

Joseph and Mary had to do what the government said. Registering with the government meant more money for the government and Joseph complied. Little did he know that this decree was being used by GOD.

• GOD places huge situations in front of me so I can tell it is HIM.
• GOD uses human decrees for HIS good, even when I think the decree is harsh and filled with greed.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes human decrees especially when humans think they are in control.

Whether it is government or work or an of track church, GOD laughs at human plans. “They think they are in control” HE giggles. The reality is GOD is in control. HE knew towns would be flooded with people who would stay at the best hotels, so HE took the lower route and had HIS SON born in a barn and laid in a dirty feeding trough.

GOD sees the enormity of various situations in my life as well. HE knows the barriers before me are laughable to HIM. HE carriers me through the troubles and lays me down beside HIS still waters of peace. GOD is my refuge.

• Are you facing something huge?
• Do you see a huge human decree that seems to be immovable?
• Can you put your trust in GOD today knowing HE has already taken care of your situation in spite of what humans think?

Putting Words in Mouths

Matthew 16: ²¹ From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

²² Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

²³ Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

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“You won’t die” were my words to the person I donated blood platelets to. I mean this was my desire and I truly meant it with the best intentions. BUT GOD had other intentions.

• Sometimes when I speak about GOD, humanity is mixed in.
• Sometimes when I talk about HIS power, my sinfulness is mixed in.
• Sometimes when I utter words about GOD, I place my desires over HIS supremacy.

“GOD won’t do this” or “GOD won’t do that” may be my hopes, but may not be quite true. Peter did not know GOD’s wonderful purpose of saving mankind. He saw JESUS as the next great leader who had some better parlor tricks than anyone else. His statement “YOU are the CHRIST” was doused by saying “YOU won’t die”.

Peter did not know GOD’s intention to save the world through HIS death and resurrection so he put words in HIS mouth.  

• GOD wants me to ask what to say before I speak.
• GOD wants me to tell the truth in love speaking only from what GOD has to say.
• GOD wants me to not be afraid to give the hard news of the reality of HIS plan.

Worry ensues when I go against GOD’s plan. When HE wants to “ruin” me and I don’t want to be ruined, I worry and perhaps put words in HIS mouth. HE has taken me down many times only to build me up better than before. Following GOD’s plan means I allow HIM to be supreme. I do not have to place human words in HIS mouth.

• Are you secretly trying to steer GOD?
• Do you find yourself trying to get your way by saying you are exercising faith but you are really exercising worry?
• Can you stop trying to manipulate the situation and allow GOD to transform you into something greater?